Colchester takes steps to protect children crossing the road

Motorists on Norwich Avenue near the town’s youth center may have noticed two new safety measures taken for children who cross the busy street to go to the town green.

One is an orange and white construction barrel, topped with a flashing light, in the middle of the crosswalk to the town green during open youth center hours on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

The other measure is a police car parked near the youth center during the same times.

In May, the town’s youth center personnel and Youth First Coalition had asked for stronger measures to ensure that motorists drive carefully when passing the youth center.

The coalition is a group of youths, parents, school representatives, town officials and concerned residents who advise and make recommendations on overall policy and program direction for the local Youth Services Bureau.

“Kids cross to the town green for activity during the two hours of open youth center, twice a week,” Pam Scheibelein, a resident and member of the coalition, said. “In the past, there have been those drivers that either do not see, or ignored warnings of a pedestrian crossing. On several occasions, the crossing sign has been hit by a vehicle.”

The coalition reported recently that the new barrel has not been hit by vehicles.

Local highway department head John Jones and Selectman Stan Soby assisted the town in obtaining the new crosswalk barrel, which is large and has a flashing red light on its top.

The youth center supervisors will continue to walk children across Norwich Avenue, which has been standard practice.

“But now it will be obvious to drivers this is an area to slow down and use caution,” Scheibelein said.

State law requires drivers to grant the right-of-way and slow down and stop for pedestrians. Failure to comply with the law can result in a $90 fine.